Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has urged the First Minister to press the Prime Minister to end the sale of weapons to Israel in the wake of the crisis in Gaza.
The South Wales Central AM is calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians in the wake of the latest loss of civilian lives – including children – when a United Nations school in Gaza was attacked.
Leanne Wood wrote:
Dear First Minister
I am sure you will share my deep sadness, concern and outrage at the situation that has been developing over recent weeks in the Gaza Strip. The violence is escalating. There have been atrocities. Yesterday’s bombing of the UN school in Beit Hanoun is the fourth UN facility to be attacked.
This continued collective punishment is not only unjust and will lead to further resentment, frustration and hatred among the Palestinians, who are de facto, prisoners.
It is not in the interests of any people in any country for this conflict to continue and it will continue as there can be no military solution, despite the fact that military capabilities of the two sides are grossly unequal. Talks must take place and they will only come about with strong international pressure.
The Welsh Government has a duty to play its part. The people of Wales have many connections with Palestinians and many Welsh organisations and groups have a long term humanitarian interest in the region and wish to see a peaceful and just solution.
I urge you, on behalf of the people of Wales, to make strong representations to the Prime Minister to end the sale of weapons to Israel, to lift the blockade and to work for an immediate ceasefire. I would also urge you to issue a statement similar to the one issued last week by the Scottish Government.
Yours sincerely
Leanne Wood
